Najee Harris suffered a torn Achilles tendon while playing for the Los Angeles Chargers during the 2025 NFL season. The serious injury occurred in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos and forced the running back to miss the remainder of the season.
Here is what happened, how the injury affected Harris and the latest information regarding his return to football.
How Did Najee Harris Injure His Achilles?
Harris sustained the injury on September 21, 2025, during the Chargers’ 23–20 victory over the Broncos.
The running back went down during a non-contact play in the second quarter after pushing off his left leg. He needed assistance leaving the field and was subsequently taken to the locker room.
Although the Chargers initially described the issue as an ankle injury, head coach Jim Harbaugh later announced that Harris had torn his Achilles tendon. The diagnosis immediately ended Harris’ first season with Los Angeles after only three games.
Before leaving the contest, Harris had recorded six carries for 28 yards.
How Serious Is a Torn Achilles for an NFL Running Back?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays an essential role in running, jumping and changing direction. A complete tear is one of the most significant lower-body injuries an NFL player can suffer.
Recovery commonly involves surgery followed by several months of rehabilitation. Running backs must regain strength, acceleration and confidence before they can safely return to full-speed contact.
The recovery period varies by player, so an Achilles tear does not automatically determine how effective an athlete will be after returning.
Was Najee Harris’ Injury Season-Ending?
Yes. Harris missed the rest of the 2025 season following the confirmed Achilles tear.
It was an unfortunate conclusion to a difficult year. Before suffering the Achilles injury, Harris had already missed training camp while recovering from an eye injury caused by a Fourth of July fireworks accident.
He nevertheless returned in time for the regular season and was beginning to earn a larger role in the Chargers’ backfield when the Achilles injury occurred.
What Is the Latest Najee Harris Injury Update?
Harris progressed to running during his rehabilitation, an important milestone for an athlete recovering from an Achilles tear.
In August 2026, the New York Giants signed him to a one-year contract. Harris acknowledged that questions would surround his performance after the injury but said he was ready to prove himself.
His signing indicates that he recovered sufficiently to pursue an NFL comeback, although his workload and effectiveness will depend on his conditioning, health and role within the Giants’ offense.
Najee Harris’ Career Before the Injury
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Harris with the 24th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He surpassed 1,000 rushing yards in each of his first four seasons and earned Pro Bowl recognition as a rookie.
Through his first 71 regular-season games, Harris accumulated:
- 4,373 rushing yards
- 28 rushing touchdowns
- 183 receptions
- 1,174 receiving yards
- Six receiving touchdowns
His durability was one of his defining qualities in Pittsburgh, making the 2025 Achilles tear particularly notable.
Can Najee Harris Return to His Previous Form?
Harris’ return will be closely watched because explosiveness and lower-body strength are critical for an NFL running back. His physical running style may help him remain productive, but the Giants could initially manage his workload as he readjusts to game action.
The central questions will be whether he can recover his acceleration, handle contact consistently and remain healthy throughout the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Najee Harris tear his Achilles?
Yes. Harris suffered a torn Achilles tendon during a September 2025 game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos.
Which leg did Najee Harris injure?
Reports indicated that Harris injured his left leg while pushing off during a non-contact play.
Did the injury end his season?
Yes. The Achilles tear ended Harris’ 2025 season after three games.
Is Najee Harris still in the NFL?
Yes. The New York Giants signed Harris to a one-year contract in August 2026.
Is Najee Harris fully recovered?
Harris completed significant rehabilitation and returned to running before signing with the Giants. His performance in practices and games will provide the clearest indication of how completely he has regained his pre-injury form.
Conclusion
Najee Harris did suffer a torn Achilles, and the injury ended his 2025 season with the Chargers. After months of rehabilitation, the former Pro Bowl running back received another NFL opportunity with the New York Giants.
His return will be one of the more intriguing comeback stories to follow as he attempts to reestablish himself after the first major season-ending injury of his professional career.
Sources: NFL.com injury report and New York Giants roster announcement